‘Clean air is not a favour’: Indonesia’s neighbours fed up with acrid haze as Singapore threatens to prosecute
Singapore is threatening legal action against companies responsible for the persistent transboundary haze affecting Southeast Asia. The smoke, caused by fires in Indonesia, has led to health concerns, school closures, and strained diplomatic relations across the region.
Why it matters
The issue highlights the tension between national sovereignty and the collective responsibility for environmental health in a globalized region.
Motorcyclists in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, ride through thick orange haze caused by fires in the region./Getty Images Motorcyclists in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, ride through thick orange haze caused by fires in the region./Getty Images Indonesia ‘Clean air is not a favour’: Indonesia’s neighbours fed up with acrid haze as Singapore threatens to prosecute Companies behind fires in Indonesia threatened with legal action as region dogged by persistent, transboundary haze
Oliver Holmes Fri 16 Oct 2026 09.34 BST Last modified on Fri 16 Oct 2026 09.35 BST Share Prefer the Guardian on Google S ingapore is threatening to prosecute companies responsible for some of the worst fires in years in neighbouring Indonesia, as the region grows increasingly frustrated with a persistent, acrid haze that could result in diplomatic relations fraying.
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